Royal Duchy series 2014

Ray I hope Nigel asks for it, a couple of consecutive Sundays would be sufficient and with enought advance notice and I am sure the trains would sell out.

 

Ah Don, if your happy to wait then so be it but I for one am looking forward to this weekend now!

 

I believe there are grounds for optimism re St Blazey turntable .........

I suspect a useful positive announcement will be made but don't know when! All good!

I agree that 45699 would fill a couple of trains! I used the same phrase myself!

 

Did anyone do the 29th March 2007 South Hams Pony? Steam was from Plymouth to Exeter via the South Devon Railway. 45407 struggled up Hemerdon falling to 9 mph, and Dainton was a similar struggle, 11 mph with 7 on.
The eletter is interesting to say the least: Six Passenger Coaches, 2*Premier; One mixed Premier/First. One First; The Standard/Buffet; and One Standard. Presumably there will be a Restaurant Car as well, and of course the POB, making 8?. If my supposition about the need for the restaurant car is correct I'm not sure the 5 will be allowed to attempt the banks on it's own. The 60 mph restriction is going to be a bit of issue too. BTM by 2330???

 

West Coast have at least 1st class coach/ Kitchen car. If this is used the load will be 7.

 

Timings now available for the 'Royal Duchy' on 29th June. Thanks to Realtime Trains<BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U ... 9/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U ... 9/advanced

 

Timings for the second leg of 45407's journey from Fort William to Bristol.
Saturday, 28th June, 2014. Carnforth to Bristol. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U ... 8/advanced

 

No need to worry about the possibility of lineside fires in the west country on Sunday as
it's p...ing down at present!! (that's 'pouring' down). <BJ>

 

Even before today's rain the fire index in the New Forest was still 'low' even after 11 very warm and dry days and I don't suppose Devon was much different

Don

 

Interestingly the return timings are the same as last year - for 75mph locomotives. We did most of them and rarely got back early. Will be interesting if a Black 5 with 8 on can get anywhere near a Brit/West Country with 9. Exeter to Taunton (31 miles) in 34 minutes with Whiteball in the way?? Taunton to BTM (45 miles) with a Yatton Stop in 54 minutes? Me thinks the timers don't know it's a 60 mph restricted Class 5 Steam loco.

 

A quote from 'A. Source' .....

''Good news. Apparently, agreement may be reached between DBS and West Coast, which will enable the St Blazey turntable to be used for the next two weekends and allow chimney first operation in both directions for the steam. Just hope they get things signed off by tomorrow.''

Posted in good faith. Excellent if it all works out. <BJ>

 

I see Realtime Trains is showing an arrival in Plymouth on the down run of 12.11, no mention of Friary. Has it always shown this or is it a change indicating that reversal is not needed now?

 

That is a change. It was showing a reversal at Friary earlier today as per the times currently at www.uksteam.info/tours/t14/t0629a.htm
Perhaps the loco will be detached at Plymouth and turn on the Laira triangle on its own, instead of turning the whole train.

 

Looking positive for Sunday as suggested earlier. Load 7
Plenty of rain so no fire risk on the banks.45407 has travelled a LONG way to run this trip and the timers,bashers,enjoyer of thrash may regret not going ..........
I've been asked not to add anything to what's been stated already..........it confirms my feeling that many railway professionals in the TOCs and NR try v hard to enable steam to run and many stories cannot be told. Fingers crossed eh,and let's hope Ian Riley is down in the west to enjoy the fun! A degree of uncertainty was a common element of tours in the late 1960 s,so this makes this R Duchy an especially authentic trip.....!
Ray Mason

 

Yes looks like it has happened. RTT times changed to show Plymouth 1211 and no Laira. What has changed? How can the turntable suddenly become operational?

Some explanation needed from DBS

Don

 

Updated timings thanks to Realtime trains. <BJ>

Totnes 11:30
Lipson Junction 1208
Plymouth] 1211 -1333
Par arr 14:40

 

I don't think there will be one - Ray's post above suggests that the real story cannot be told! Anyway the main thing is it can be used again - much better than the tender first running from Plymouth.

 

Indeed so, nice to think that whatever the circumstances behind it, co-operation has ensued to ensure the tour runs as intended. Can only be good, : )